Adjustment of magnetic force in a computing device

ABSTRACT

Techniques for forming and adjusting a magnetic tension mechanism are described herein. A system includes a first magnetic element in a first component of a computing device. The system includes a second magnetic element in a second component of the computing device, wherein the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are to be held in tension by a magnetic force. The system also includes an adjustment mechanism to adjust the force required to decouple the magnetic elements.

CROSS REFERENECE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 371, this application is the United StatesNational Stage Application of International Patent Application No.PCT/US2014/032287, filed on Mar. 29, 2014, which claims priority to U.S.Utility patent application Ser. No. 14/229,828, filed Mar. 28, 2014,titled “ADJUSTMENT OF MAGNETIC FORCE IN A COMPUTING DEVICE”.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to magnetic tension components and amagnetic force adjustment mechanism. More specifically, the disclosuredescribes magnetic components of a computing device that are heldtogether by a magnetic force that may be adjusted by a mechanical forcemechanism or electromagnetic mechanism that alters the force between thetwo magnetic components and thereby the force required to move or fullyseparate the two magnetic components relative to each other.

BACKGROUND

Computing devices include components configured to move, such as ahinge. Many laptop hinges rely on friction in the hinge to hold thecomponents in place at a certain angle. For example, a user may manuallyadjust the angle of a laptop screen relative to its keyboard by manuallyovercoming the force of friction to rotate the screen about a hinge. Inaddition, magnets may be used to hold two components of a computingdevice together. For example, a tablet may be connected to a keyboardvia a magnetic connection. A user must exert enough force to overcomethe magnetic force to remove the tablet from the keyboard.

In addition, computing devices include components such as latchingmechanisms to close components, such as a lid closing to a base. Somelaptop computers include a mechanism to keep the lid and base in contactwhen the lid is in a closed position. For example, a lid of laptop maybe closed to the base of the laptop by a button and hook arrangementwherein a hook is arranged in either the lid or the base to fasten thelid to the laptop in a closed position, and wherein the button isarranged in either the lid or the base to enable a user to release thehook and open the laptop. As another example, some laptops may includemagnets in the lid, the base, or both, wherein a magnetic force holdsthe lid closed to the base. A user must exert a force to overcome themagnetic force between the lid and the base to open the laptop.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating magnetic elements of a computingdevice that are physically separated by a shearing motion;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the magnetic force between twomagnetic elements of a computing device that is reduced and/or reversedby manipulation of the magnetic polarities;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating magnetic elements of a computingdevice that are physically distracted to alter the attraction forcebetween two magnetic components;

FIG. 4A is a block diagram illustrating magnetic elements of a computingdevice to be separated by an electromagnetic force;

FIG. 4B is a block diagram illustrating an example of magnetic elementsof a computing device to be separated by an electromagnetic force;

FIG. 5A is an example computing device with a tablet component and akeyboard component having an attachment surface onto which the tabletcomponent may attach or detach;

FIG. 5B is a side perspective cross-section view of an example computingdevice with a tablet component magnetically attached to an attachmentsurface of a keyboard component;

FIG. 6A is set of front perspective views of cross sections of examplemagnetic attachment mechanisms using a mechanical mechanism tomanipulate the attractive forces of magnetic elements;

FIG. 6B is a front perspective view of a cross section of an examplemagnetic attachment mechanisms using a knob to manipulate the attractiveforces of magnetic elements;

FIG. 7A is a set of front perspective views of cross sections of anexample magnetic attachment mechanism using a linear actuator and achamfered edge mechanism to separate magnetic elements;

FIG. 7B is a set of front perspective views of cross sections of anexample magnetic attachment mechanism using a rack and pinion to preventmisalignment;

FIG. 7C is a set of side views of cross sections of an example magneticattachment mechanism using a crank shaft to displace magnetic elements;

FIG. 8A is an example frictionless barrel hinge at 90, 180 and 205degree positions;

FIG. 8B is an example barrel hinge for frictionless rotation;

FIG. 8C is an example magnetic attachment mechanism for frictionlessrotation and detachment of a tablet using a spine with magneticelements;

FIG. 8D is an example hingeless attachment and detachment mechanism forfrictionless rotation of a tablet with magnetic elements;

FIG. 8E is an example metal strip for use in hingeless attachment anddetachment mechanism for frictionless rotation of a tablet with magneticelements;

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of an example computing device havinga sliding displacement mechanism to be applied to magnetic elements;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of an example computing device havinga sliding displacement mechanism applied to magnetic elements to open alid of the computing device;

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a cross section of an examplesliding displacement mechanism to be applied to magnetic elements toopen a lid of a computing device;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a method of forming adisplacement mechanism of a computing device;

FIG. 13 is block diagram of a component of a computing device withadjusting magnetic force;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing tangible, machine-readable media thatstore code for adjusting magnetic force; and

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a method of automaticallyadjusting a magnetic force in a computing device.

The same numbers are used throughout the disclosure and the figures toreference like components and features. Numbers in the 100 series referto features originally found in FIG. 1; numbers in the 200 series referto features originally found in FIG. 2; and so on.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to techniques for forming amagnetic tension mechanism having an adjustment mechanism to aid in theseparation or attachment of magnetic components. Computing devices mayemploy latches, hooks, and magnets to secure movable components of thecomputing device, such as a lid of a laptop or the keyboard/cover of atablet. For example, a laptop may include a magnetic component in a lidof a laptop configured to be magnetically coupled to a magneticcomponent in a base of the laptop. A separation mechanism may alter orreconfigure the magnetic components such that the magnetic componentsphysically separate from one another. Rather than requiring a user topry computing components apart, such as a lid from a base, against amagnetic force associated with the magnetic components in the lid andthe base, the techniques described herein include the introduction offorces or components to move the magnetic components laterally tophysically separate the magnets and reduce the magnetic force exertedbetween the magnetic components.

Computing devices may also employ friction hinges to allow rotatablecomponents of the computing device to be held in place, such as thedisplay of a laptop. An adjustment mechanism may also be used to adjustthe magnetic force between two or more magnetic elements within themovable or rotatable computer components. A mechanical adjustmentmechanism may apply a force at magnetic elements of a computing deviceto ease the release of computing device components that are fastenableby the magnetic elements. A mechanical adjustment mechanism may apply arotational force at the magnetic elements to reduce or reverse themagnetic force. Additionally, a mechanical adjustment mechanism canapply a force at the magnetic elements in parallel to the magnetic forceto aid in the separation of the two magnetic elements. In some aspects,an electromagnetic adjustment mechanism may create a magnetic field thatreduces or reverses the force between the two magnetic elements.

In addition, the introduction of convertible computing devices hasintroduced a range of mechanical engineering questions about the optimalattachment and detachment mechanisms and associated forces. Aconvertible computing device includes two or more pieces that can bejoined or separated by a user. A wide variety of designs current existon the market. For example, tablet attachments to a keyboard, and tabletcover attachments exist that have designs that are mechanically fixed.The attachment and detachment mechanisms and forces do not change andare not changeable. However, studies have shown that users possessdifferent preferences on the attachment and detachment forces and thatthe ease of attachment and detachment play a big role in the user'sperception of and experience with a detachable device. The embodimentsdescribed herein allow users to configure the attachment and detachmentforces in a variety of ways to meet specific user preferences. In someexamples, the adjustment mechanisms may be automatically controlled bylogic within the computing device.

Furthermore, laptops, two-in-one detachable laptops, and convertiblestypically use hinges that combine friction-based torque to provide theuser the ability to adjust and set angles of a display screen. However,these friction-based hinges have pain points and limitations in termsof: progressive wear, inefficiencies in size, lack of customizability—asthe torque variability is set and unadjustable, and not allowing propercontact for communication of wireless technologies due to radioalignment and lens alignment. Embodiments herein also provide for acompact, robust, frictionless hinge that uses magnetic attraction in arotational axis to allow rotation and setting of intervals to adjust theangle of the screen on devices including, but not limited to, a laptop,detachable and/or a base, using a compact and robust, yet simplesolution to achieve screen adjustment.

Finally, detachable hinge mechanisms require protruding features forsecure attachment of the lid and base that often impact the industrialdesign of the product. The use of magnets allows for a lid and base tobe connected with less impact to industrial design. Magnetic componentsalso can help overcome the required connector mating forces. However,there are a couple issues with using magnetic components for adetachable. One issue is that the force required for a solid connectionbetween the lid and the base makes it hard for a user to detach the twocomponents. In current magnetic detachable products, two hands and aripping action are needed to detach a component. Current magneticsolutions also do not allow for 120° screen articulation. In userpreference studies, 120° is within the range of user preference forviewing laptop displays. Also, when the force of the magnetic connectionto allow for screen articulation is increased, then the magnetic forcerequired may be too large for a person to overcome and can be unsafe.Embodiments herein allow for variable magnetic states required for bothfunctional operation and user safety.

A “magnetic component” as referred to herein, may include an object madefrom a material that is ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic. In someembodiments, the magnetic component is a magnet wherein the magneticcomponent is magnetized and may exert a substantially persistentmagnetic field. In other embodiments, one of the magnetic components maybe a ferromagnetic component, or a ferrimagnetic component, but not amagnet, such as a steel bar that is not magnetized, while the othermagnetic component is a magnet configured to attract the ferromagneticcomponent, or a ferrimagnetic component, as discussed in more detailbelow.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating magnetic elements of a computingdevice that are physically separated by a shearing motion. A computingdevice may include a first magnetic element 102 is and a second magneticelement 104. FIG. 1 includes two component pairs, each having a firstmagnetic element 102 and a second magnetic element 104. A first pairincludes component 106A and component 108A, a second pair includescomponent 106B and component 108B. A transition between the first pairand the second pair is denoted by arrow 116. As illustrated in FIG. 1,the first magnetic element 102 may be integrated with a first component106A, 106B of the computing device, and the second magnetic element 104may be integrated with a second component 108A, 106B of the computingdevice. In some cases, the first component 106A, 106B may be a lid of alaptop computer, and the second component 108A, 1088 may be the base ofthe laptop computer. In other cases, the first component 106A, 106B maybe a tablet computer, and the second component 108A, 1088 may be akeyboard, cover, or stand.

A magnetic force may exist between the first and second magneticelements 102, 104 when the first 106A and second 108B computing devicecomponents are in close proximity, as indicated by the arrows 110. Oneor both of the magnetic elements 102 and 104 may be physically displacedby a displacement indicated by the arrows 112 and 114. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the displacement 112, 114 may be created by a lateral forceapplied at either the first magnetic element 102, the second magneticelement 104, or at both the first and second magnetic elements 102, 104.The displacement 112, 114 is perpendicular to the magnetic force 110 andmay be less than the magnetic force 110. Therefore, a user may be ableto overcome the magnetic force without applying a force equal andopposite to the magnetic force 110.

As indicated by the arrow 116, when either the first magnetic element102, the second magnetic element 104, or both the first and secondmagnetic elements 102, 104 are laterally moved due to the displacements(either 112, 114, or both 112 and 114), the magnetic force 110 isreduced or eliminated. Once the magnetic force 110 is reduced oreliminated, the first component 106B may move relative to the secondcomponent 108B, such as if the first component 106B is a lid and thesecond component 108B is a base of a computing device. In some examples,first component 106B may be a component to be detached from a basecomponent 108B of a computing device.

The displacement mechanism may be, in one embodiment, a slider tomanipulate the magnetic element along a defined track. In someembodiments, both of the magnetic elements are magnets. However, inother embodiments, one of the magnetic elements is a magnet, while theother magnetic element is a ferrimagnetic material, or a ferromagneticmaterial, such as steel, but is not a magnet. In yet another embodiment,both of the magnetic elements 102, 104 are magnets and one or more ofthe magnetic elements 102, 104 may include a metal backplate. In someembodiments, the metal backplate may increase the magnetic force betweenthe magnetic components relative to other embodiments.

Using a displacement mechanism may lower the energy required to separatethe two magnetic elements 102, 104. By using lateral force actions toseparate the magnetic elements first, rather than using a distractionforce to directly pull the magnetic apart, less force is required toseparate the magnetic elements. Furthermore, because a lateraldisplacement may only require moving one of the magnetic elements 102,104 in a perpendicular motion, space may be saved by not having to moveeither of the magnetic elements in a motion parallel to the magneticforce inside the components. Additionally, a reconfiguration of thepolarity of one or more of the magnetic elements, achieved eitherthrough electrical or physical manipulation of the mechanism, can shiftthe attractive force to a repulsive force. Such a repelling force may beproduced through rotation of one of the magnetic elements 102, 104relative to other as in FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the magnetic force between twomagnetic elements of a computing device that is reduced and/or reversedby manipulation of the magnetic polarities. FIG. 2 includes three pairsof components. A first pair includes component 106C and component 108C,a second pair includes component 106D and component 108D, and a thirdpair includes component 106E and component 108E. A transition betweenthe first pair and the second pair is denoted by an arrow 202, and atransition between the second pair and the third pair is denoted byarrow 204. Again, a computing element may include a first magneticelement 102 integrated with a first component 106C, 106D, 106E, and asecond magnetic element 104 may be integrated with a second component108C, 108D, 108E of the computing device. A magnetic force 110, 206 mayexist between magnetic element 102 and magnetic element 104.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, one of the integrated magnetic elements 104may be rotated about a central axis as indicated by a dashed line withan arrow 208, 210. In the example of FIG. 2, second magnetic element 104has been rotated by 90 degrees about its central axis so that north(indicated by the “plus” sign) is facing out of the illustration incomponent 108D. By rotating magnetic element 104 by 90 degrees, theforce between the first magnetic element 102 and the second magneticelement 104 will be reduced or eliminated between components 106D and108D. Therefore, a user will be able to more easily move computingdevice component 106D apart from computing device component 108D. Insome examples, the total angle of rotation may be adjustable by theuser. In some examples, the total angle of rotation may automaticallyadjusted by an electronic mechanism. For example, the electronicmechanism may be a motor that is to move a mechanical component. In someexamples, a rod may be connected to the magnetic element to be rotatedto reduce or reverse the magnetic force 110 by rotational displacementof the magnetic element 104. In some examples, the rod may be attachedto a knob for manual rotation. In some examples, the rod may be attachedto an electric motor. For example, the electric motor may be used forautomated rotation of the rod.

The second magnetic element 104 may be turned another 90 degrees asindicated by arrow 210 of FIG. 2 to result in the orientation of secondmagnetic element 104 in 108E. When second magnetic element 104 is thusturned a total of 180 degrees from its original position in 108C, thepolarity of the second magnetic element 104 is reversed from itsorientation in 108C. Therefore, the original attractive force 110between magnetic element 102 and magnetic element 104 is also reversedand results in a repelling magnetic force as indicated by magnetic force206. The repelling force 206 can assist a user in separating computingdevice components 106E and 108E apart from each other. For example,repelling force 206 may allow a person to separate component 106E fromcomponent 108E using only one hand.

Using a rotational force on a magnetic element 102,104 therefore mayresult in the production of a repelling force 206 to aid a user inseparating the computing components 106, 108. However, in someinstances, a design may want to minimize magnetic movement, perhaps toprovide for a stable magnetic field. In this case, the distractive forceof FIG. 3 may minimize magnetic movement.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating magnetic elements of a computingdevice that are physically distracted to alter the attraction forcebetween two magnetic components. FIG. 3 includes two pairs ofcomponents. A first pair includes component 106F and component 108F anda second pair includes component 106G and component 108G. Components108F and 108G include mechanical component 302. In some examples, themechanical component 302 may be a memory shape alloy actuator capable ofproducing enough force to pull magnetic element 104 from force 110. Insome examples, mechanical component may include small motors,piezoelectric motors, gears, levers or cams. A transition between thefirst pair and second pair of components is indicated by arrow 304.

In the example of FIG. 3, a mechanical component 302 may be used to pullmagnetic element 104 away from the direction of the magnetic force. Asshown by arrow 304, the force 110 resulting from the displaced magneticelement 104 may be reduced. In some examples, the magnetic element 104may be distracted by such distance that a user may easily pull apartcomputing device component 106 away from computing device component 108.In some examples, the displacement distance may be configurable orautomatically adjustable.

One benefit of using distraction to initially pull magnetic elements102, 104 apart is the minimal or absent lateral movement involved insuch a design. Unlike the lateral displacement mechanism of FIG. 1, aparallel force mechanism would not require any lateral movement.However, this parallel force mechanism is not by itself capable ofproducing a repelling force as in FIG. 2 or FIG. 4 below.

FIG. 4A is a block diagram illustrating magnetic elements of a computingdevice to be separated by an electromagnetic force. The particularconfiguration of electromagnetic attachment in FIG. 4A may be referredto generally by the reference number 400A. FIG. 4A includes three pairsof components. A first pair includes component 106H and component 108H,a second pair includes component 106I and 108I, and a third pairincludes component 106J and 108J. Components 108H, 108I, and 108J eachhave an electromagnet 402. A transition between the first and the secondpair is indicated by arrow 404, and a transition between the second andthird pair is indicated by arrow 406. The presence and relative amountof current in electromagnet 402 is indicated by lightning bolts 408. Insome examples, an electromagnet 402 may be used to temporarily adjustmagnetic force between computing device component 106I, 106J andcomputing device component 108I, 108J. The electromagnet 402 may becomposed of magnetic material such that the magnetic element 102 createsa north pole at the side of electromagnet 402 closest to the south poleof magnetic element 102. The core of electromagnet 402 may be made of amagnetic material with a high permeability, such as a ferromagneticmetal as iron, or a ferrimagnetic compound such as ferrites. Theopposite poles in close proximity results in attractive magnetic force110. In some examples, electromagnet 402 of component 108H may be anelectropermanent magnet that includes a permanent magnet surrounded by acoil of conducting wire. The permanent magnet 402 of 108H may bearranged to have an opposite pole face the closest pole of magneticelement. For example, applying current to the electromagnetic coil maybe used to temporarily disable the attractive force of the permanentmagnet by altering its magnetic field. With even more current applied,the electromagnetic coil may be used to repel the magnetic element 102from electromagnet 402. In some examples, the electromagnet 402 may bean electropermanent magnet capable of switching its poles. For example,the electropermanent magnet may include both an electromagnet and a dualmaterial permanent magnet in which the magnetic field produced by theelectromagnet is used to change the magnetization of the permanentmagnet. In this case, the magnetization of the permanent magnet can beswitched by the electromagnet 402 and would remain in the new state ofpolarity without a continued supply of current.

In the example of FIG. 4A, an electromagnet 402 may begin in an “off”state without any power or current flow as indicated by the absence ofany lightning bolts. As shown by lightning bolt 408, a small current maybe applied to electromagnet 402 in component 108I, creating a magneticfield around electromagnet 402. An electrical current may be applied tothe wire to produce a magnetic field that offsets the effects of themagnetic field generated by magnetic element 102. The interaction of thetwo magnetic fields may result in minimal to no force betweenelectromagnet 402 and magnetic element 102. A user may then pull apartcomponent 106I from computing device component 108I with ease.

As shown by arrow 406, in some examples, a relatively larger current maybe applied to the electromagnet 402 of component 108J to produce astrong magnetic field and a resulting repelling force 206. The repellingforce may help a user to pull computing device component 106 away fromcomputing device component 108. In some examples, the electromagnet maycause the polarity of a dual material permanent magnet to switch and theswitch in polarity may also result in a repelling force 206 at component108J. In some examples, the repelling force 206 may push components 106Jand 108J apart a distance to allow a user to easily continue to separatethe two components 106J and 108J manually. For example, the repellingmagnetic force of electromagnetic 402 may produce a large repellingforce than the total magnetic force holding 106J and 108J together. Usermay then finish separating component 106J from component 108J manually.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram illustrating an example of magnetic elementsof a computing device to be separated by an electromagnetic force. Theparticular configuration of electromagnetic attachment in FIG. 4B may bereferred to generally by the reference number 400B. As illustrated inFIG. 4B, permanent magnet 410 may be oriented horizontally so that onemagnetic pole faces left and the other magnetic pole faces right. Anelectromagnetic element 412 may be formed in a “U” shape andmagnetically attached to both ends of the bottom side of permanentmagnet 410.

As in example magnetic attachment mechanism 400A, the force betweenpermanent magnet 410 and electromagnet 412 in electromagnetic attachmentmechanism 400B may be reduced or even reversed depending on how muchcurrent is supplied to electromagnet 412. By using a horseshoe or “U”shape design, the resulting magnetic force may be directed solely at thepermanent magnet 410. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) may also beminimized using this design, as the magnetic permeability of air islower than the permeability of the electromagnetic core.

One benefit of the electromagnet mechanism 400A, 400B is reduced spacewith no internal movement required for the magnetic element 102, 410 orelectromagnet 402, 412. However, the adjustment mechanisms of thepreceding examples may be used either separately or in any combinationto adjust the magnetic force between one component 106 of a computingdevice and a second component 108 of a computing device. Although asingle mechanism may be mentioned in the following example embodiments,one or more of the adjustment mechanisms discussed at length above maybe used in addition to or instead of the described mechanisms.

FIG. 5A is an example computing device with a tablet component 106 and akeyboard component 108 having an attachment surface 502 onto which thetablet component 106 may attach or detach. In some examples, attachmentsurface 502 may be a dock cradle for a keyboard component 108 of aportable tablet 106. In some examples, the keyboard component 108 may bea cover 108 that is attached to tablet 106 via magnetic force. Theattachment surface 502 may contain one or more magnetic elements toattach to one or more magnetic elements within tablet 106. In someexamples, tablet 106 or keyboard component 108 may contain gyros,accelerometers, or proximity sensors to determine orientation andacceleration of the computing device or actions of the user.

FIG. 5B is a side perspective cross-section view of an example computingdevice with a tablet component 106 magnetically attached to anattachment surface 502 of a keyboard component 108. The tablet component106 may have an axis 504 about which magnetic element 102 may freelyrotate about. In embodiments, axis 504 may be connected to anelectromechanical actuator (not shown). In some examples, theelectromechanical actuator may be a shape memory alloy actuator, amotor, a servo, a solenoid or a peizo motor. The keyboard component 108may have two rollers 506 on which the end of tablet 106 may rotate.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the magnetic element 102 of tablet 106 may bemagnetically attached to magnetic element 104 of keyboard 108 atattachment surface 502. As shown by arrow 508, the magnetic forcebetween magnetic elements 102, 104 may be reduced by moving magneticelement 104 away from magnetic element 102 in a direction parallel andopposite to the magnetic force. For example, a linear actuator mayforcefully separate magnetic element 104 away from magnetic element 102.By reducing the force between magnetic element 102 and magnetic element104 using a linear actuator, a user may more easily detach component 106from component 108.

In embodiments, the magnetic detachable hinge connection may exist indifferent states depending on magnetic load required for a particularstate. For example, a first state for tablet attachment may require astrong but safe magnetic force, such as 5 lb-F. For example, a secondstate for resisting torque from screen adjustment and connector may be ahigh force such as 25 lb-F. A third state, for example, may be adetachment force that is easy to overcome such as 2 lb-F. The differentmagnetic states may be achieved through any of the mechanical orelectromagnetic mechanisms discussed in detail in FIGS. 1-4. In someexamples, the attachment and detachment forces may be preset based onload requirements. For example, the load requirement may be the weightof an attached tablet 106.

In some embodiments, the linear actuator may be controlled via logic ofthe computing device. In some examples, the logic may be at leastpartially be composed of hardware logic. For example, the logic forcontrolling the linear actuator may be integrated into the powermanagement logic of tablet 106. Although a linear actuator is used as anexample, any adjustment mechanism, whether electromechanical orelectromagnetic, may be used and controlled by logic of the computingdevice.

In some embodiments, the linear actuator may be controlled via agraphical user interface (GUI). For example, a GUI switch may be usedfor convenient switching of the magnetic forces between an attachmentforce and a weaker detachment force. The GUI switch may send logicsignals to the hinge so that it can exist in a detachment force statewhen the user wants to detach a component. The GUI switch may allow auser to quickly lower the magnetic force to a detachment force andseparate the tablet 106 from keyboard base 108 with one hand. Likewise,the GUI switch may allow a user to quickly switch the magnetic force toan attachment force to reconnect the tablet 106 to the keyboard base108. In some examples, the attachment force may automatically return toan attachment state once the user has fully removed the tablet 106 fromthe keyboard base 108. In some examples, the attachment force may beraised from or lowered to a weaker detachment force by aligning ormisaligning magnets in an array as discussed further in FIG. 6.

FIG. 6A is set of front perspective views of cross sections of examplemagnetic attachment mechanisms using a mechanical mechanism tomanipulate the attractive forces of magnetic elements. FIG. 6A includestwo pairs of components. The first pair includes component 106K,component 108K, linear actuator 602A and attachment surface 502A.Component 106K is connected magnetically to component 108K via magneticelements 104A of attachment surface 502A of component 108K. The secondpair includes component 106L, component 108L, linear actuator 602B, andattachment surface 502B. Component 106L is connected to component 108Lvia magnetic elements 104A within attachment surface 502B of component108L. The first pair and second pair include each include magneticelements 102 and 104A. In some examples, the mechanical mechanism usedto move magnetic elements 104A, 104B may be one or more linear actuators602 or one or more manually adjustable knobs 604. The example using alinear actuator 602A, 602B is referred to generally by the referencenumber 600A. A linear actuator 602A, 602B may include a motor and amechanical component to convert rotations of the motor into linearmotion. For example, the mechanical component may be a screw and nut,rack and pinion, or a cam. A transition between the first pair ofcomponents and the second pair of components in example 600A is denotedby arrow 606. In addition, in order to control certain magneticattraction or repulsion characteristics when detaching or attaching thecomputer components, the system would be expected to benefit fromembodiments that generate symmetric and opposing translations of themagnetic components. For example, a gearing or linkage system may beused in place of or in combination with the linear actuators 602A, 602Bto move half of the magnets one direction and the rest of the magneticcomponents in the opposite direction. This configuration would balancethe attraction forces of the misaligned magnets to help keep thecomputer components aligned for ease of attachment or detachment.

As shown in FIG. 6A, attachment surface 502A may contain severalmagnetic elements 104A that are magnetically coupled with correspondingmagnetic elements 102 of tablet 106K. In some examples, magneticelements 104A may be fixed in a carriage that can be rotated ortranslated in a manner that alters the magnetic field along anattachment surface 502A, 502B, 502C. In some examples, the attachmentsurface 502A, 502B may contain a linear actuator 602 that may laterallytranslate the magnetic elements 104A, 104C. For example, in FIG. 6A,magnetic elements 104A, 104C are translated in the direction of arrow608. Translating the magnetic elements 104A may result in a reducedmagnetic force between the magnetic elements 102, 104A as discussedabove in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, extra magnetic elements 104Cmay be included in the hinge to maintain a minimal amount of magneticforce between tablet 106K, 106L and keyboard 108K, 108L. In someexamples, the multiple magnetic elements 104A may be individually orcollectively altered relative to their neighbors to create uniquemagnetic field profiles along the attachment surface of attachmentsurface 502B. The reduced magnetic force between magnetic elements 102and fewer magnetic elements 104C may allow a user to easily remove thetablet from the attachment surface 502B of computing device component108L. In some examples, the linear actuator 602B may be controlled basedon user input to allow for a configurable setting. For example, a usermay adjust the detachment force to make it easier to remove tablet 106from attachment surface 502. In some examples, the linear actuator 602Bmay be controlled using sensors to increase attraction force for ease inalignment while attaching. For example, proximity sensors may be used todetect a user is about attach tablet 106. The linear actuator 602B maythen increase the magnetic force between magnetic elements 102, 104A toallow the two components 106K, 108K to attractively join together. Insome examples, the linear actuator 602A may be controlled by theorientation of the tablet 106K. For example, a horizontal orientation ofthe tablet 106K may indicate attachment and the linear actuator wouldposition the magnetic elements 104A to create a maximum attraction forcebetween magnetic elements 102 and 104A. Placing the tablet on its edgemay indicate detachment and the linear actuator may therefore positionmagnetic elements 104A to minimize attraction or create a repulsionforce between magnetic elements 104A and 102 to aid in detachment.

Using a linear actuator 602A, 602B allows automated settings for themagnetic forces that can be customized or preconfigured for a variety ofconditions. For example, a relatively high attachment force andrelatively low detachment force may be configured to improve userexperience. However, such a mechanism requires power to operate and someapplications might require or prefer to minimize any power use. If poweris to be saved, a manually operated mechanical mechanism may be used.

FIG. 6B is a front perspective view of a cross section of an examplemagnetic attachment mechanisms using a knob 604 to manipulate theattractive forces of magnetic elements. The example using a knob 604 isreferred to generally by the reference number 600B. FIG. 6B includes apair of components that includes component 106M, component 108M, and aknob 604 and attachment surface 502C. Component 106M is connected tocomponent 108M via magnetic elements 104B of attachment surface 502C ofcomponent 108M. Component 106M includes magnetic elements 102 andcomponent 108M includes magnetic elements 104B.

In the example of 600B, a knob 604 may be connected to a rod having anouter thread that is connected to an inner thread of a componentattached to magnetic elements 104B. A knob 604 is a mechanical componentcapable of being turned or rotated manually. For example, a user maymanually rotate the knob 604 and translate magnetic elements 104B to theleft or to the right depending on the direction of rotation.

In some embodiments, a user may rotate knob 604 of attachment surface502C to turn a mechanical screw component that causes the magneticelements 104B to translate. The user may fine tune the force betweenmagnetic elements 102, 104B by rotating the knob 604. For example, theuser may lower the magnetic attachment force by rotating the knob 604 inone direction and then proceed to remove tablet 106M from the attachmentsurface 502C of keyboard 108M with minimal force. In some examples, theuser may increase the magnetic attachment force by rotating the knob 604in the other direction. For example, a user may want to increase themagnetic force manually before storing the computing device in abackpack.

The distributed magnetic elements and the ability to translate and/orrotate the magnetic elements of an attachment mechanism introduce thecapability to create unique attachment and/or detachment actions thatbenefit from the physics of magnetic attraction. In some examples, someusers may develop specific combinations of magnetic componenttranslations, distractions, and rotations that suit specificforce-displacement characteristics or preferred attachment or detachmentactions. For example, a user may separate the two magnetic elements withonly one hand.

FIG. 7A is a set of front perspective views of cross sections of anexample magnetic attachment mechanism using a linear actuator 602 and achamfered edge mechanism to separate magnetic elements 102 and 104. FIG.7A includes two pairs of components. The first pair includes component106N and component 108N, and the second pair includes component 106O andcomponent 108O. The hinges 502D, 502E of components 108N, 108O alsoinclude multiple magnetic elements 104 held together in a spring-loadedcarriage 702, linear actuator 602, and a sliding chamfered edgemechanism 704. The chamfered edge mechanism 704 includes two chamferededges. One chamfered edge is connected to the spring-loaded carriage702. The other chamfered edge is connected to linear actuator 602. Theparticular embodiment using linear actuator 602, a spring-loadedcarriage 702, and a chamfered edge mechanism 704 is generally referredto by reference number 700A.

In some examples, the linear actuator 602 may cause the one chamferededge to slide over the other chamfered edge by pushing one edge into theother edge as shown by arrow 706. The interaction of the two edges inthe chamfered edge mechanism 704 produces a compressing force on thesprings 702 while distracting the magnetic elements 104 away frommagnetic elements 102 as shown by arrow 708. In displacing the magneticelements 104 from the magnetic elements 102, the linear actuator maythus cause a reduction in the magnetic force between magnetic elements102 and 104. By thus lowering the magnetic force between magneticelements 102 and 104, the linear actuator 602 may help a user removetablet 106O from attachment surface 502E. After the tablet is removed,the springs 702 may return the carriage back to its original position asthe linear actuator 702 slides the chamfered edges apart from eachother.

In some examples, by moving magnetic elements 102 and 104 closer to eachother, the linear actuator 602 may help prevent tablet 106N from fallingout prematurely. In some examples, the linear actuator 602 may assistthe user in docking the tablet 106N onto attachment surface 502D. Forexample, linear actuator 602 may increase the magnetic force betweenelements 102, 104 as the computing device detects a pre-attachmentcondition such as a specific orientation of the device.

FIG. 7B is a set of front perspective views of cross sections of anexample magnetic attachment mechanism using racks and pinions 710 toprevent misalignment. FIG. 7B includes two pairs of components. Thefirst pair includes component 106P and component 108P, and the secondpair includes component 106Q and component 108Q. Components 106P, 106Qcontain magnetic elements 102. Components 108P, 108Q contain magneticcomponents 104 that are coupled to racks 710 and pinions 712. Theparticular embodiment using racks 710 and pinions 712 is generallyreferred to by reference number 700B.

In the example of FIG. 7B, racks 710 and pinions 712 translate magneticelements 104 in base 108P, 108Q in opposite directions to provide acounteractive force to prevent misalignment of component 106P, 106Q. Aspinion gears 712 rotate in the direction of arrows 714, the pinions 712cause their respective racks 710 to translate in the direction of arrows716. In some examples, the magnetic elements 104 may be connected toracks 710 and therefore also translated in the direction of arrows 716.In example 700B, the overall position of magnetic elements 104 has doesnot translate in either direction. Therefore, example components 106P,106Q do not require a guide (not shown) on components 108P, 108Q to keepcomponents 106P, 106Q in place with respect to components 108P, 108Q.

FIG. 7C is a set of side views of cross sections of an example magneticattachment mechanism using a crank shaft 716 to displace magneticelements. FIG. 7C includes two pairs of magnetic components 102, 104.The magnetic components 104 are mechanically coupled to crank shaft 716.The particular embodiment using

In the example of 700C, as the crank shaft 716 rotates creating apiston-style motion to displace the magnets 104 in base 108R. Forexample, as the crank shaft 716 rotates in the direction of arrow 718,magnetic element 104 may be distracted in the direction of arrow 720. Insome embodiments, the mechanism could involve the use of a rotationalactuator to rotate a shaft containing cams that effect displacements ofmagnetic elements 104 through the cam radial eccentricity.

Although the FIGS. 6 and 7A, 7B, and 7C describe adjustment mechanismsusing the translations 112,114 in FIG. 1 and distraction actions in FIG.3, the rotational mechanism of FIG. 2 and the electromagnetic mechanismof FIG. 4 may also be used in addition to or instead of the previouslydescribed mechanical mechanisms at attachment surface 502. Additionally,any of the adjustment mechanisms of FIGS. 1-4 may also be used inconjunction with the frictionless rotation systems described below tomagnetically attach or detach a first component 106 to a secondcomponent 108 or to allow frictionless rotational movement through aseries of discrete angles as in FIGS. 8A-8D.

FIG. 8A is an example barrel hinge 802A at 90, 180 and 205 degreepositions. FIG. 8A includes six views 804A, 806A, 808A, 810A, 812A,814A. View 804A is a diagram of the barrel hinge 802A at 90 degrees withinternal magnetic elements 102 visible, with a pair of magnetic elements816A magnetically attached. View 806A is a side perspective close-up ofbarrel hinge 802A at 90 degrees with internal magnetic elements 816Avisible. View 808A is a diagram of the barrel hinge 802A at 180 degreeswith attached internal magnetic elements 818A visible. View 810A is aside perspective close-up of barrel hinge 802A at 180 degrees withinternal magnetic elements 818A visible. View 812A is a diagram of thebarrel hinge 802A at 205 degrees with internal magnetic elements 820Avisible. View 814A is a side perspective close-up of barrel hinge 802Aat 205 degrees with internal magnetic elements 820A visible. As seen inviews 816A, 818A, 820A, barrel hinge 802A contains a plurality ofmagnetic elements that are disposed radially around a center point ofthe hinge 802A.

The plurality of magnetic elements within hinge 802A may hold acomponent of a computing device in tension by a magnetic force atpositions of the magnetic elements of the hinge. For example, in views804A, 806A the two magnetic elements 816A hold hinge 802A at an angle of90 degrees. In views 808A, 810A, two magnetic elements 818A hold hinge802A at 180 degrees. In views 812A, 814A, magnetic elements 820A holdhinge 802A at 205 degrees. Each pair of magnetic elements 816A, 818A,820A are held in tension by a corresponding pair of magnetic elements102 in one side of the hinge. In some examples, the magnetic elements102 may be a single ferromagnetic strip. In some examples, the magneticforce between the two magnetic elements may be adjustable. An adjustablemagnetic force may allow for a variable torque to be used to adjustbetween the angles. For example, a user may adjust the torque necessaryto adjust between the angles according to his or her preferences.Embodiments as herein described may therefore be said to provide for africtionless variable torque.

FIG. 8B is an example barrel hinge 802B for frictionless rotation.Barrel hinge 802B includes two components that have loops 804B to hold arod (not shown) to hold the hinge 802B together. An inner component ofhinge 802B contains magnetic elements 806B. An outer component of hinge802B contains a magnetic element 808B. In some examples, the magneticelement 808B may be a relatively inexpensive steel strip. In someexamples, magnetic element 808B may be a corresponding set of magnetsthat line up with the horizontal placement of magnetic elements 806B asthey rotate into a magnetic attachment.

When using a barrel hinge 802B, computing technology and components maybe placed within the rod or barrel of the hinge. For example, a wirelesstechnology may be included in barrel hinge 802B allowing wirelesscommunication between two components of a computing device connected viahinge 802B. In some cases, the barrel design can be considered bulky anda slimmer design may be used.

FIG. 8C is an example magnetic attachment mechanism for frictionlessrotation and detachment of a tablet 106 using a spine 802C with magneticelements 102. The particular configuration of the hinge in FIG. 8C isreferred to generally by the reference number 800C.

FIG. 8C includes three views 804C, 806C, 808C of the example spine 802C.In view 804C, a side perspective shows that tablet 106 may be removablefrom a keyboard 108. In view 806C, spine 802C is shown from a top viewdisconnected from keyboard 108 underneath. In view 808C, a largerclose-up view of the spine 802C shows that spine 802C includes aplurality of magnetic elements 102 that are located radially around acenter line and along the length of the spine 802C.

In the example of FIG. 8C, the plurality of magnetic elements may holdthe tablet 106 component of the computing device in tension by amagnetic force at positions of the magnetic elements 102 of the hinge.For example, the magnetic elements 102 may be located on spine 802C suchthat the tablet may be positioned and magnetically held at 90, 125, and180 degrees from the closed position. The closed position is when thetablet is flat against the keyboard 106. In view 808C, for example, themagnetic elements are disposed at different points along a length of thehinge and at differing degrees radially. The magnetic elements 102 mayalso fasten to a second set of magnetic elements 104 to attach the hingeto the component of a computing device as discussed below andillustrated in FIG. 8D. For example, magnets in the second plurality ofmagnetic elements 102 may each have polarity opposite with respect to amagnetic element 104 of another computing device component. In theexample of 800C, this computing device component is tablet 106. In someexamples, keyboard 106 may have rollers (not shown) for the spine 802Cto rotate on. In some examples, any of the described adjustmentmechanisms of FIGS. 1-4 may be used to aid in detachment of tablet 106from keyboard 108.

A benefit of using a spine 802C is a less bulky design than the barrelhinge and no need for the use of a removable rod. However, in some casesa design may be preferred without any magnets facing outwardly on thetablet 106. For example, FIG. 8D introduces an embodiment with magneticelements 102 facing inward on tablet 106.

FIG. 8D is an example hingeless attachment and detachment mechanism forfrictionless rotation of a tablet with magnetic elements. The particularconfiguration of the hinge in FIG. 8D is referred to generally by thereference number 800D.

FIG. 8D includes three views 804D, 806D, 808D of an example hingelessmagnetic attachment mechanism. In view 804D, a side perspective showsthat tablet 106 may be removable from a keyboard 108 and is attached attwo ends of keyboard 108. In view 806D, tablet 106 is shown from a topperspective disconnected from keyboard 108 underneath. In view 808D, aclose-up of the hingeless connection 802D shows that connection 802Dincludes a plurality of magnetic elements 102 that are located on theinner sides of tablet 106. A pair of magnetic elements 102 arehorizontally facing another pair of magnetic elements 102 on the otherside (not shown) of the attachment of tablet 106, and another pair ofmagnetic elements 102 face downward on the bottom side of tablet 106.

In the example of 800D, the magnetic elements 102 may allow the tablet106 to be held at 90, 125, or 180 degrees relative to the closedposition. Corresponding magnetic elements within keyboard 108 may attachand detach from the magnetic elements 102 as a user rotates tablet 106relative to a magnetic attachment axis. Additional magnetic elements 102may be located along the bottom side of the tablet 106. For example, inhingeless connection 800D, magnetic elements 102 on the bottom side oftablet 106 may allow the tablet to be held at a 180 degree angle fromthe closed position. In some examples, the magnetic force attachingmagnetic elements 102 to corresponding magnetic elements in keyboard 108may be reduced or eliminated to allow detachment of the tablet 106 fromthe keyboard 108. In some examples, the tablet 106 may be detachedelectronically via an electromagnet. In some examples, the tablet 106may be detached electronically via an electromechanical mechanism.

FIG. 8E is an example metal strip 802E for use in hingeless attachmentand detachment mechanism for frictionless rotation of a tablet withmagnetic elements. FIG. 8E includes four views 804E, 806E, 808E and810E. In view 804E, a front perspective shows metal strip embedded intobase 108. In view 806E, a side perspective shows metal strip 802Eattaching to magnetic element 102. In view, 808E a top perspective showscomputing device component 106 being removed from computing devicecomponent 108. In view 810E, a close-up shows magnetic hinge 800C usingthe metal strip 802E to attach component 106 to component 108 of acomputing device.

In the example of 800E, a metal strip 802E may allow a tablet 106 to beheld at different angles relative to the base 108. For examples, thetablet 106 may be held at 90, 125, or 180 degrees relative to the closedposition. The metal strip 802E within base 108 may attach and detachfrom the magnetic elements 102 as a user rotates tablet 106 relative toa magnetic attachment axis. In some examples, the magnetic forceattaching magnetic elements 102 to corresponding magnetic elements inkeyboard 108 may be reduced or eliminated to allow detachment of thetablet 106 from the keyboard 108. In some examples, the tablet 106 maybe detached electronically via an electromagnet that neutralizes themagnetic force of magnetic elements 102. In some examples, the tablet106 may be detached electronically via an electromechanical mechanism.

A variety of advantages may be enjoyed from embodiments as describedherein. As a frictionless hinge does not have contact or abrasion toestablish angles, the hinge does not wear out or expire over time. Inaddition, the angular intervals and adjustment remain constant. Forexample, a slight nudge would not change the angular interval from 90degrees to 92 degrees. Another advantage stems from the use of lessparts to make the hinge, and the corresponding savings in manufacturingtime and effort. The efficiency in size provides an advantage of morespace that may be utilized for other purposes. This space can be used tohouse extra features and components. For example, wireless technologiesusing radio or light signals may be installed and properly aligned usingdiscrete angles and points of constant contact on the ends of the hinge.In some examples, the tablet 106 may be communicate with keyboard 108through such wireless technologies. Furthermore, the frictionlessvariable torque may be customizable in real time, and by the user or anoriginal equipment manufacturer (OEM). Ease of detachability is anotheradvantage stemming from customizable magnetic forces that may aid theuser in removing or attaching a component to the magnetic hinge. In someexamples, as discussed below, the customizable magnetic forces may beswitched between different states by a user through a GUI orautomatically via internal logic of the computing device.

Moreover, the attachment and detachment forces of elements 102 tocorresponding elements in keyboard 108, or the attachment and detachmentof component 106 to and from component 108, may be adjusted through anyof the magnetic adjustment mechanisms of FIGS. 1-4 discussed at greaterlength above. For example, the translation of magnetic elements 102 maybe used to allow a user to adjust tablet 106 from one discrete anglesuch as 125 degrees to another such as 90 degrees. In addition, themagnetic adjustment mechanism of FIGS. 1-4 may be used to keep thetablet 106 in a closed position relative to keyboard 108 as discussed ingreater length in FIGS. 9-11 below.

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of an example computing device havinga sliding displacement mechanism to be applied to magnetic elements. Thecomputing device 900 includes a first component, such as a lid 906, anda second component, such as a base 904. The computing device 900 mayalso include a displacement mechanism, such as a button 906, asillustrated in FIG. 9. In embodiments, the computing device 900 includesa hinge 908. The hinge 908 may allow rotational movement of the lid 902with respect to the base 904. Although FIG. 9, as well as FIG. 10 andFIG. 11 illustrate a laptop computer having a lid and a base, thetechniques described herein may be implemented in other types ofcomputing devices, as well as in other types of components of acomputing device.

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of an example computing device havinga sliding displacement mechanism applied to magnetic elements to open alid of the computing device. The button 906 may be moveable as indicatedby the arrow 1002. The button 906 may enable the lid 902 to open, asillustrated in FIG. 10. In embodiments, the computing device 900 mayexhibit spring back. Spring back may be a frictional force at the hinge908 wherein, once the button is moved at 1002, the lid may spring openat least slightly. In some embodiments, the spring back may also be atension of the lid 902 wherein the lid may have a potential energy dueto the flexibility, or bendability, of the lid 902 when the lid isclosed as in FIG. 9. In either embodiment, the movement of the button906 as indicated by 1002 enables the lid 902 to open relative to thebase 904. As discussed above, the movement of the button 906 initiates asliding motion between magnetic elements resulting in a reduction orelimination of magnetic force between the magnetic elements of thecomputing device.

In embodiments, the force required to move the magnetic elements apartis indicated by Equation 1:F=μ×P+Spring  Eq. 1

In Equation 1, the applied force is represented by “F,” wherein μ is africtional coefficient of moving one of the magnetic elements, “P” isthe magnetic force between the magnetic elements, and “Spring” is theforce required to return the mechanism to its original position incertain implementations after it has been displaced. In someembodiments, the force required to move the magnetic elements apart mayinclude additional factors such as a magnetic resistance to themovement, a magnetic force occurring between a magnetic element andother metal parts of the computing device, and the like. In someembodiments, materials may be used to decrease friction in moving themagnetic elements. For example, a plastic material may be used betweenthe magnetic elements to reduce friction between the magnetic elements.

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a cross section of an examplesliding displacement mechanism to be applied to magnetic elements toopen a lid of a computing device. The cross section 1100 of thecomputing device illustrates a first magnetic component and a secondmagnetic component, such as the first magnetic component 102 and thesecond magnetic component 104 discussed above in reference to FIG. 1.The first magnetic component 102 may be disposed within the lid 902 ofthe computing device 900, and the second magnetic component 104 may bedisposed in the base 904 of the computing device 900. In embodiments,computing device may include a displacement mechanism, such as button906. As indicated by the arrow 1002, a displacing force may beintroduced between the first and second magnetic components 102, 104when the button 906 is moved in the direction of the arrow 1002. Asdiscussed above, the introduction of displacement between the magneticcomponents 102, 104 may ultimately reduce the magnetic force between themagnetic components 102, 104, and the lid 902 may spring back relativeto the base 904. Although FIG. 11 illustrates the displacement mechanismas a button, other mechanisms may be possible. For example, thedisplacement mechanism may be a scrolling mechanism configured to enablea user to move one or more of the magnetic components 102, 104 laterallyand parallel to an edge of the computing device 900.

As previously discussed, a benefit of the lateral displacement mechanismmay involve saving space in the orthogonal direction and/or introducingmore preferable force-displacement characteristics. However, any of theprevious described magnetic attachment mechanisms of FIGS. 5-11 may beconfigured such that the magnetic force is adaptable to the preferencesof the user. In some examples, a user may be able to manually adjust themagnetic forces through configuration of the adjustment mechanism. Insome examples, the adjustment mechanism includes an automatic adjustmentfeature that automatically adjusts the magnetic force between magneticelements 102, 104 to the usage of the user as described in greaterdetail in FIG. 13. In these examples, an electromechanical orelectromagnetic mechanism may be preferred to allow for automation asdiscussed in greater detail below.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a method of forming adisplacement mechanism of a computing device. The method 1200 includesforming, at block 1202, a displacement mechanism of a computing deviceto exert a force applied between a first magnetic element and a secondmagnetic element of the computing device. The first magnetic element isheld in tension to the second magnetic element by a magnetic forcebetween the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element.

The method 1200 may include additional embodiments. In some embodiments,the method 1200 may include forming, at block 1204, the first magneticelement in a first component of a computing device. For example, thefirst magnetic element may be formed to be disposed in a lid of acomputing device such as a laptop. In embodiments, the method 1200 mayinclude forming, at block 1206, the second magnetic element in a secondcomponent of the computing device. For example, the second magneticelement may be formed to be disposed in a base of a computing device. Ineither embodiment, the first magnetic element and the second magneticelement are to be held in tension by a magnetic force, and are to beseparable by a force applied to either magnetic element by thedisplacement mechanism. As discussed above, the displacement mechanismmay be, in one embodiment, a button to be slideably engaged to introducea force. In some embodiments, both of the magnetic elements are magnets.However, in other embodiments, one of the magnetic elements is a magnet,while the other magnetic element is a ferromagnetic material, or aferrimagnetic material, such as steel, but is not a magnet. In yetanother embodiment, both of the magnetic elements are magnets and one ormore of the magnetic elements may include a metal backplate. In thisembodiment, the metal backplate may increase the magnetic force betweenthe magnetic components relative to other embodiments.

FIG. 13 is block diagram of a component of a computing device withadjusting magnetic force. The computing device 1300 may be, for example,a laptop, two-in-one detachable laptop, tablet computer, or convertible,among others. The computing device 1300 may include a central processingunit (CPU) 1302 that is configured to execute stored instructions, aswell as a memory device 1304 that stores instructions that areexecutable by the CPU 1302. The CPU may be coupled to the memory device1304 by a bus 1306. Additionally, the CPU 1302 can be a single coreprocessor, a multi-core processor, a computing cluster, or any number ofother configurations. Furthermore, the computing device 1300 may includemore than one CPU 1302. The memory device 1304 can include random accessmemory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, or any othersuitable memory systems. For example, the memory device 1304 may includedynamic random access memory (DRAM).

The computing device 1300 may also include a graphics processing unit(GPU) 1308. As shown, the CPU 1302 may be coupled through the bus 1306to the GPU 1308. The GPU 1308 may be configured to perform any number ofgraphics operations within the computing device 1300. For example, theGPU 1308 may be configured to render or manipulate graphics images,graphics frames, videos, or the like, to be displayed to a user of thecomputing device 1300. The memory device 1304 can include random accessmemory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, or any othersuitable memory systems. For example, the memory device 104 may includedynamic random access memory (DRAM). The memory device 1304 may includea device driver 1310 that is configured to execute the instructions foradjusting magnetic attachment and detachment forces. The device driver110 may be software, an application program, application code, or thelike.

The computing device 1300 includes a magnetic force adjustment mechanism1312. In embodiments, the magnetic force adjustment mechanism 1312 is anelectromechanical or electromagnetic mechanism as described in FIGS.1-4. For example, the magnetic force adjustment mechanism 1312 mayinclude, but is not limited to, a motor, piezo motor, electromagneticcoil, linear actuator, shape memory alloy actuator, or any combinationsthereof. The magnetic force adjustment mechanism 1312 is used to changeattachment or detachment forces between the computing device 1300 andanother computing component at a dock 1315. Dock 1315 may be a magnetichinge 1315, or any other adjustable point of magnetic attachment betweentwo components of computing device 1300. Accordingly, the computingdevice 1300 also includes one or more magnetic elements 1314. Inexamples, a magnetic element 1314 may be a magnet 114. In some examples,magnetic element 1314 may be an electromagnet 1314. The magnet 1314 maybe displaced by magnetic force adjustment mechanism 1312 to increase ordecrease the magnetic force between computing device 1300 and anothercomponent of a computing device at dock 1315. In some embodiments, adriver 1310 may be used to operate the magnetic force adjustmentmechanism 1312 and shift the magnetic elements 1314. In some examples,the driver 1310 may be used to operate the magnetic force adjustmentmechanism 1312 and power an electromagnetic element 1314. For example,the driver 1310 may cause an electromagnetic element 1314 to power on toreduce magnetic force at dock 1315 for a detachment. Additionally, inexamples, the magnetic elements 1314 may be a plurality of magneticelements. In some examples, magnetic elements 1314 may be arranged in acarriage that may be adjusted by magnetic force adjustment mechanism1312. In some examples, magnetic elements 1314 may be individuallyadjustable. The device driver 110 may represent magnetic elementorientation or magnetic force in numbers or states of attachment thatare accessible to users.

The CPU 1302 may also be connected through the bus 1306 to aninput/output (I/O) device interface 1316 configured to connect thecomputing device 1300 to one or more I/O devices 1318. The I/O devices1318 may include, for example, capacitive touch surfaces, pressuresensors, accelerometers, and/or gyroscopes, among others. The I/Odevices 1318 may be built-in components of the computing device 1300, ormay be devices that are externally connected to the computing device1300. In some examples, accelerometers 1318 may be two or moreaccelerometers that are built into the computing device. For example,one accelerometer may be built into each surface of a detachable laptop.

The CPU 1302 may also be linked through the bus 1306 to a displayinterface 120 configured to connect the computing device 1300 to adisplay device 1322. The display device 1322 may include a displayscreen that is a built-in component of the computing device 1300. Thedisplay device 1322 may also include a computer monitor, television, orprojector, among others, that is externally connected to the computingdevice 1300.

The computing device also includes a storage device 1324. The storagedevice 1324 is a physical memory such as a hard drive, an optical drive,a thumbdrive, an array of drives, or any combinations thereof. Thestorage device 1324 may also include remote storage drives. A number ofapplications 1326 may be stored on the storage device 1324. Theapplications 1326 may include an attachment and detachment forceadjustment application. The applications 1326 may be used to adjust thetorque required to move a display between different angles of a magnetichinge 1315. In some examples, the depth map may be formed from theenvironment captured by the image capture mechanism 1312 of thecomputing device 1300. In some examples, the applications 1326 may beused to preset different states of magnetic force operation.

In some examples, beam forming is used to capture multi-channel audiodata from the direction and distance of a targeted speaker. Themulti-channel audio data may also be separated using blind sourceseparation. Noise cancellation may be performed when one or morechannels are selected from the multi-channel audio data after blindsource separation has been performed. In addition, auto echocancellation may also be performed on the one or more selected channels.

The computing device 1300 may also include a network interfacecontroller (NIC) 1328. The NIC 1328 may be configured to connect thecomputing device 1300 through the bus 1306 to a network 1330. Thenetwork 1330 may be a wide area network (WAN), local area network (LAN),or the Internet, among others.

The block diagram of FIG. 13 is not intended to indicate that thecomputing device 1300 is to include all of the components shown in FIG.13. Rather, the computing system 1300 can include fewer or additionalcomponents not illustrated in FIG. 13 (e.g., sensors, power managementintegrated circuits, additional network interfaces, etc.). The computingdevice 1300 may include any number of additional components not shown inFIG. 13, depending on the details of the specific implementation.Furthermore, any of the functionalities of the CPU 1302 may bepartially, or entirely, implemented in hardware and/or in a processor.For example, the functionality may be implemented with an applicationspecific integrated circuit, in logic implemented in a processor, inlogic implemented in a specialized graphics processing unit, or in anyother device.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing tangible, machine-readable media thatstore code for adjusting magnetic force. The tangible, machine-readablemedia 1400 may be accessed by a processor 1402 over a computer bus 1404.Furthermore, the tangible, machine-readable medium 1400 may include codeconfigured to direct the processor 1402 to perform the methods describedherein. In some embodiments, the tangible, machine-readable media 1400may be non-transitory.

The various software components discussed herein may be stored on one ormore tangible, machine-readable media 1400, as indicated in FIG. 14. Forexample, a configuration module 1406 may be configured to allow thecustomization of magnetic forces in a computing component. In someexamples, the tracking module 1406 may allow a user to change magneticattachment and detachment forces via a GUI. In some examples, thetracking module 1406 may allow the user to change magnetic attachmentand detachment forces through a button on a computing component. Anadaptation module 1408 may be configured to receive a plurality ofsensory input from the computing component. In some examples, theadaptation module 1408 adjusts a magnetic attachment force based on thesensory input. For example, the adaptation module 1408 may raise theattachment force when sensory input indicates an inadvertent orpremature detachment of the computing component from another componentof a computing device. The adaptation module 1408 may, for example,lower the detachment force when sensory input indicates one or morefailed attempts to detach the computing component from another computingcomponent of the computing device. An emergency module 1410 may beconfigured to temporarily change the magnetic force under certainconditions. In some examples, the emergency module 1410 may temporarilyraise the attachment force when sensory input indicates the computingdevice is falling.

The block diagram of FIG. 14 is not intended to indicate that thetangible, machine-readable media 1400 is to include all of thecomponents shown in FIG. 14. Further, the tangible, machine-readablemedia 1400 may include any number of additional components not shown inFIG. 14, depending on the details of the specific implementation.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a method of automaticallyadjusting a magnetic force in a computing device. The method 1500 mayinclude detecting, at block 1502, a high probability of user intentionto detach a first computing device component containing a first magneticelement from a second computing device component containing a secondmagnetic element. The first magnetic element is held in tension to thesecond magnetic element by a magnetic force between the first magneticelement and the second magnetic element. In some examples, the highprobability of detachment intention may be sensed, for example, by thetouch of a button on component. For example, a user may press a buttonor press and hold a button for a specific amount of time. In someexamples, a capacitive surface may trigger a high probability ofdetachment intention. For example, the touch of a finger on thecapacitive touchscreen or a capacitive surface on the back of a tabletmay indicate a high probability of detachment intention. In someexamples, the probability of detachment intention may take into accountthe specific orientation of the computing device. For example, a gyro oraccelerometer may detect movement to an orientation that would indicatea high probability of detachment intention.

At block 1504, the method may include automatically decreasing amagnetic force between the first magnetic element and the secondmagnetic element of a computing device to a detachment force, whereinthe first magnetic element is still held in tension to the secondmagnetic element by a magnetic force between the first magnetic elementand the second magnetic element. The detachment force may allow a userto easily detach the first computing device component from the seconddevice component. In embodiments, the attachment force may be changed tothe detachment force by any of the mechanisms previously discussedabove. In some examples, the detachment force may include a repellingforce as described in FIGS. 2 and 4 above. In some examples, logicwithin the computing device may receive an indication that a user isabout to detach a component. The logic would then cause the magneticforce to switch to a detachment force upon receiving the indication of ahigh probability of user detachment intention.

At block 1506, the method may include detecting a high probability ofuser attachment of the first computing device component to the secondcomputing device component. The high probability of attachment may besensed, for example, by a motion sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or thelike. In some examples, the sensor may communicate with logic of acomputing system to indicate a user is about to attach the firstcomponent of the computing device to the second component of thecomputing device. For example, the sensor may communicate with powermanagement logic of the computing device to receive user input andadjust attachment and detachment forces accordingly.

At block 1508, the method may include automatically increasing themagnetic force between the first magnetic element and the secondmagnetic element to an attachment force. In embodiments, the attachmentforce may be achieved by any of the mechanisms discussed at lengthabove. In some examples, the attachment force may automatically beswitched to a preset attachment force by logic within the computingsystem. In some examples, the preset attachment force may be userconfigurable and/or customizable. For example, a user may adjust theattachment force by using a GUI that runs in the operating system of thecomputing device.

At block 1510, the method may include detecting a plurality of faileddetachment attempts. A failed detachment attempt may be, for example, auser attempt to remove a component as measured by changes in themagnetic field or a movement sensor such as an accelerometer. In someexamples, a pressure sensor or capacitive touch sensor may be used todetect a failed detachment attempt. For example, the sensor may detect auser touching a capacitive surface and this may be combined withdetected force at the magnetic elements to count as a failed detachmentattempt.

At block 1512, the method may include automatically lower the magneticdetachment force. In embodiments, the detachment force may be reduced bylogic in the computing device in response to a predetermined number offailed detachment attempts. In some examples, this lower detachmentforce setting may be stored for future use. For example, the lowerdetachment force may be permanently lowered until premature detachmentsare detected. In some examples, the detachment force may be reconfiguredby the user via a GUI or other interface. For example, a GUI may presenta user with a slider bar to visually adjust or reset the detachmentforce.

At block 1514, the method may include detecting a premature detachment.A premature detachment is when one computing device component separatesfrom the other without a corresponding detected user action. A useraction may be detected by capacitive touch screen, proximity sensor, orthe like. For example, the computing device may be in a moving vehicleor a backpack. The computing device may experience sudden motions thatcause one computing device component to detach from the other computingdevice component. A detachment without any detected user interaction maybe counted as a premature detachment. For example, a prematuredetachment may be counted when one computing device component detachesfrom another without any capacitive touch detected. In some examples, anemergency situation may be detected. For example, an emergency situationmay exist when an accelerometer of the computing device senses thecomputing device is falling.

At block 1516, the method may include automatically raising theattachment force. In embodiments, the attachment force setting may beincreased in response to premature detachment by logic in the computingdevice. In some embodiments, the attachment force may be increased whena premature detachment is detected. In some embodiments, the attachmentforce may be increased after a predetermined number of prematuredetachments. In some embodiments, the attachment force may be raisedtemporarily. In some examples, an emergency situation may be detectedand the logic may temporarily raise the attachment force setting. Forexample, an emergency situation may exist when an accelerometer of thecomputing device senses the computing device is falling. The logic maycause the attachment force to temporarily increase to reduce the risk ofdamage to the computing device upon receiving the fall indication fromthe accelerometer.

The method 1500 may include additional embodiments. As mentioned above,logic in the device may also allow the computing device to adapt themagnetic force to the preferences of a user. In some examples, thislogic may include hardware logic to control the adjustment mechanism.For example, the method may be implemented by a controller connected toa power management processor. In some embodiments, the computing devicemay automatically adapt the default attachment and detachment forces, ormaximum and minimum magnetic forces used, by storing and analyzinghistorical information of failed attempts and premature detachments andother user behaviors. In some embodiments, the logic controlling thedetachment and the attachment forces may be user programmable and/orcustomizable. For example, a user may specify or change the thresholdfor a failed detachment attempt, a premature detachment, or anemergency. The user may also set or reset a default attachment ordetachment force through, for example, a GUI slider bar.

EXAMPLE 1

An apparatus for adjustable magnetic coupling is described herein. Theapparatus includes a first magnetic element in an attachment surface ofa first component of a computing device to be coupled to a secondmagnetic element of a second component of the computing device via amagnetic force. The apparatus further includes an adjustment mechanismto adjust the magnetic attachment force. The first magnetic element ofthe apparatus can be a magnet and the adjustment mechanism can be amechanical component that is to adjust the magnetic force by displacingthe first magnetic element relative to the second magnetic element. Theapparatus can include a rod within the first component of a computingdevice coupled to a carriage having the first magnetic element disposedthereon. The mechanical component can be a chamfered edge to be receivedat a chamfered edge of the rod. The first magnetic element can bedisplaced relative to the second magnetic element by the force of thecamfered edge sliding into the camfered edge of the rod. The mechanicalcomponent can be a linear actuator to be engaged to adjust the magneticforce by displacing the first magnetic element relative to the secondmagnetic element through a direction not aligned with the field ofmagnetic attraction. The mechanical component comprises a manualadjustment knob to be engaged to adjust the magnetic attachment force bydisplacing the first magnetic element relative to the second magneticelement through a direction not aligned with the field of magneticattraction. The apparatus can include a motor to move the mechanicalcomponent. The mechanical component can include a shape memory alloyactuator to displace the first magnetic element from the second magneticelement parallel to the magnetic force. The mechanical component caninclude a rod connected to the first magnetic element. The rod can berotated to adjust the magnetic force via orientation of the polarity ofthe first magnetic element relative to the second magnetic element. Thesecond magnetic element can be an electromagnet. The adjustmentmechanism can power the electromagnet to temporarily reduce or reversethe magnetic attachment force. The first magnetic element can include aplurality of magnetic components that can move through a mechanism inopposite directions to neutralize magnetic misalignment forces of thecomputing component.

EXAMPLE 2

A hinge for magnetic coupling is herein described. The hinge includesmagnetic elements that are disposed radially around a center point ofthe hinge. The hinge is to be built into a first component of acomputing device. The magnetic elements are to hold the first componentin tension at angular interval positions of the first magnetic elementsrelative to a second component of the computing device via a magneticforce between a subset of the magnetic elements and a magnetic elementof the second component of the computing device. The magnetic elementsof the hinge can be disposed at different points along a length of thehinge. The magnetic elements of the hinge can be disposed in angularintervals at the ends of the hinge. The magnetic elements of the hingecan be a first plurality of magnetic elements and the magnetic elementof the second component can be a first magnetic element of the secondcomponent. The hinge can include a second plurality of magnetic elementsto attach the hinge of the first component to the second component. Thesecond plurality of magnetic elements can each have a polarity oppositewith respect to a second magnetic element of the second component of thecomputing device. The magnetic force between the second plurality ofmagnetic elements of the first component and the second magnetic elementof the second component can be reduced for detachment via anelectromagnetic or electromechanical adjustment mechanism. The componentof the computing device can be held by magnetic forces between themagnetic elements of the hinge and the magnetic element of the secondcomponent at discrete angles. The magnetic forces can be customizablevia electromechanical or electromagnetic mechanisms. The hinge can alsoinclude a space within the hinge in which a wireless technology may behoused. The first component and second component can be wirelesslycommunicatively coupled. The hinge can include a spine on which themagnetic elements are attached. The hinge can include a barrel on whichthe magnetic elements are attached. The barrel can be connected to oneor more loops of the second component via a removable rod. The magneticelement of the second component of the computing device can be a metalstrip.

EXAMPLE 3

A method for adjusting magnetic tension forces is described herein. Themethod includes detecting a high probability of user intention to detacha first computing device component containing a first magnetic elementfrom a second computing device component containing a second magneticelement. The method further includes automatically decreasing a magneticforce between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic elementof the computing device to a detachment force. The first magneticelement is held in tension to the second magnetic element by themagnetic force. The method can include detecting a high probability ofuser intention to attach the first computing device component to thesecond computing device component. The method can also includeautomatically increasing the magnetic force between the first magneticelement and the second magnetic element to an attachment force. Themethod can include detecting a plurality of failed detachment attempts.The method can further include automatically lowering the magneticdetachment force. The method can include detecting a prematuredetachment or emergency. The emergency can be a fall detected by anaccelerometer. The method can also include automatically increasing theattachment force. The detachment force and the attachment force can beuser programmable. The detachment force and the attachment force canautomatically adapt to the preferences of a user. The detachment forcecan reset back to an attachment force after a predetermined amount oftime. The attachment force and detachment force can be controlled by apower management logic. The attachment force and detachment force can beadjustable through a GUI.

EXAMPLE 4

A system for adjusting magnetic coupling forces is described herein. Thesystem includes a first magnetic element in a first component of acomputing device. The system includes a second magnetic element in asecond component of the computing device. The first component and thesecond component are to be held in tension by a magnetic force. Thesystem further includes an adjustment mechanism to adjust a forcerequired to decouple the magnetic elements. The system can includelogic, at least partially comprising hardware logic, to control theadjustment mechanism. The first component of the computing device caninclude an axis about which the first magnetic element can freely swingabout. The second component of a computing device can include at leasttwo rollers on which a magnetic side of the first component of acomputing device can rotate. The adjustment mechanism can include anelectromagnet. The electromagnet can temporarily reduce the magneticforce between the first component of the computing device and secondcomponent of the computing device for detachment. The adjustmentmechanism can include a linear actuator that can translate the firstmagnetic element in the first component to adjust the magnetic forcebetween the first component and the second component. The adjustmentmechanism can be controlled via a graphical user interface (GUI) switch.The adjustment mechanism can automatically switch between configurablestates of magnetic force. One of the components can be a tablet, and theother component can be a base of the computing device. The tablet can beheld in magnetic tension to the base by the magnetic elements. Thetablet can also be articulated up to at least 120 degrees relative tothe base. The first magnetic element can be a permanent magnet and thesecond magnetic element can be an electromagnet formed in a “U” shape.The adjustment mechanism can be controlled via power management logic.

EXAMPLE 5

An apparatus for displacing magnetic elements is described herein. Theapparatus includes a displacement mechanism of a computing device toexert a force applied between a first magnetic element and a secondmagnetic element of the computing device. The first magnetic element isto be held in tension to the second magnetic element by a magnetic forcebetween the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element. Theapparatus can include a first component of the computing device housingthe first magnetic element and a second component of the computingdevice housing the second magnetic element. The first magnetic elementand the second magnetic element can be held in tension by the magneticforce, and can be separable by the force exerted by the displacementmechanism. One of the components can be a lid and the other componentcan be a base of the computing device. The lid can spring back uponbeing separated by the displacement mechanism. The displacementmechanism can be a button to be slideably engaged to introduce theforce. One of the magnetic elements can be a magnet and the othermagnetic element can be composed of a ferromagnetic material, or aferrimagnetic material, but not a magnet. Both of the magnetic elementscan also be magnets. The applied force can be perpendicular to themagnetic force. The applied force can be less the than the magneticforce. The apparatus can include a material between the first magneticelement and second magnetic element to reduction friction. The materialcan be made of plastic.

EXAMPLE 6

A system for separating magnetic elements is described herein. Thesystem includes a first magnetic element in a first component of acomputing device. The system includes a second magnetic element in asecond component of the computing device. The first magnetic componentand the second magnetic component are to be held in tension by amagnetic force. The system includes a displacement mechanism of thecomputing device to exert a force applied to either magnetic element toseparate the magnetic elements. The displacement mechanism can be abutton of the computing device to be slideably engaged to exert theforce. One of the magnetic elements can be a magnet and the othermagnetic element can be composed of a ferromagnetic material, or aferrimagnetic material, but not a magnet. Both of the magnetic elementscan be magnets. The exerted force can be perpendicular to the magneticforce. The exerted force can be less the than the magnetic force. One ofthe components can be a lid. The lid can spring back upon beingseparated by the displacement mechanism. The other component can be abase of the computing device. The system can include a material betweenthe first magnetic element and second magnetic element to reductionfriction. The material can be made of plastic. The computing device canbe a laptop.

EXAMPLE 7

At least one tangible, machine-readable medium for adjusting magnetictension forces is described herein. The machine-readable medium includesinstructions stored therein that, in response to being executed on acomputing device, cause the computing device to detect a highprobability of user intention to detach a first computing devicecomponent containing a first magnetic element from a second computingdevice component containing a second magnetic element. The instructionsalso cause the computing device to automatically decrease a magneticforce between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic elementof a computing device to a detachment force. The first magnetic elementis held in tension to the second magnetic element by a magnetic forcebetween the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element. Themachine-readable medium can also include instructions further cause thecomputing device to detect a high probability of user intention toattach the first computing device component to the second computingdevice component. The instructions can also cause the computing deviceto automatically increase the magnetic force between the first magneticelement and the second magnetic element to an attachment force. Themachine-readable medium can further include instructions further causethe computing device to detect a plurality of failed detachmentattempts. The instructions can also cause the computing device toautomatically lower the magnetic detachment force. The machine-readablemedium can also include instructions further cause the computing deviceto detect a premature detachment or emergency. The instructions can alsocause the computing device to automatically increase the attachmentforce. The detachment force and the attachment force can be userprogrammable. The detachment force and the attachment force canautomatically adapt to the preferences of a user. The detachment forcecan reset back to an attachment force after a predetermined amount oftime. The attachment force and detachment force can be controlled by apower management logic. The attachment force and detachment force can beadjustable through a graphical user interface (GUI).

EXAMPLE 8

An apparatus for adjustable magnetic coupling is described herein. Theapparatus includes means for magnetically coupling a first component ofa computing device to a second component of a computing device via amagnetic attachment force. The apparatus also includes means foradjusting the magnetic attachment force. The apparatus can include meansfor producing a repelling force. The apparatus can further include meansfor neutralizing magnetic misalignment forces in the first component.

EXAMPLE 9

A hinge for magnetic coupling is described herein. The hinge includesmeans for holding a first component of a computing device to a secondcomponent of a computing device at angular interval positions via amagnetic force. The hinge can include means for attaching the firstcomponent to the second component magnetically. The hinge can includemeans for reducing the magnetic force for detachment. The hinge canfurther include means for customizing the magnetic forces between thefirst component and the second component. The hinge can also includemeans for communicatively coupling the first component and the secondcomponent wirelessly.

An embodiment is an implementation or example. Reference in thespecification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,”“various embodiments,” or “other embodiments” means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but notnecessarily all embodiments, of the present techniques. The variousappearances of “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” or “some embodiments”are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments.

Not all components, features, structures, characteristics, etc.described and illustrated herein need be included in a particularembodiment or embodiments. If the specification states a component,feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can” or “could”be included, for example, that particular component, feature, structure,or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specificationor claim refers to “a” or “an” element, that does not mean there is onlyone of the element. If the specification or claims refer to “anadditional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one ofthe additional element.

It is to be noted that, although some embodiments have been described inreference to particular implementations, other implementations arepossible according to some embodiments. Additionally, the arrangementand/or order of circuit elements or other features illustrated in thedrawings and/or described herein need not be arranged in the particularway illustrated and described. Many other arrangements are possibleaccording to some embodiments.

In each system shown in a figure, the elements in some cases may eachhave a same reference number or a different reference number to suggestthat the elements represented could be different and/or similar.However, an element may be flexible enough to have differentimplementations and work with some or all of the systems shown ordescribed herein. The various elements shown in the figures may be thesame or different. Which one is referred to as a first element and whichis called a second element is arbitrary.

It is to be understood that specifics in the aforementioned examples maybe used anywhere in one or more embodiments. For instance, all optionalfeatures of the computing device described above may also be implementedwith respect to either of the methods or the computer-readable mediumdescribed herein. Furthermore, although flow diagrams and/or statediagrams may have been used herein to describe embodiments, thetechniques are not limited to those diagrams or to correspondingdescriptions herein. For example, flow need not move through eachillustrated box or state or in exactly the same order as illustrated anddescribed herein.

The present techniques are not restricted to the particular detailslisted herein. Indeed, those skilled in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure will appreciate that many other variations from theforegoing description and drawings may be made within the scope of thepresent techniques. Accordingly, it is the following claims includingany amendments thereto that define the scope of the present techniques.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for adjustable magnetic coupling,comprising: a first magnetic element in an attachment surface of a firstcomponent of a computing device to be coupled to a second magneticelement of a second component of the computing device via a magneticattachment force; and an adjustment mechanism to adjust the magneticattachment force, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a linearactuator to move half of a plurality of magnetic components of the firstmagnetic element in one direction and a rest of the plurality ofmagnetic components of the first magnetic element in an oppositedirection.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first magneticelement of the apparatus comprises a magnet, and wherein the adjustmentmechanism comprises a mechanical component that is to adjust themagnetic attachment force by displacing the first magnetic elementrelative to the second magnetic element.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein the linear actuator is to be engaged to adjust the magneticattachment force by displacing the first magnetic element relative tothe second magnetic element through a direction not aligned with a fieldof magnetic attraction.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprisinga motor to move the mechanical component.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the first magnetic element comprises the plurality of magneticcomponents that are to move through the adjustment mechanism in oppositedirections to neutralize magnetic misalignment forces in the firstcomponent.
 6. A system for adjusting magnetic coupling forces,comprising: a first magnetic element in a first component of a computingdevice; a second magnetic element in a second component of the computingdevice, wherein the first component and the second component are to beheld in tension by a magnetic force; and an adjustment mechanism toadjust a force required to decouple the magnetic elements, wherein theadjustment mechanism comprises a linear actuator and a gearing orlinkage system to move half of a plurality of magnetic components of thefirst magnetic element in one direction and a rest of the plurality ofmagnetic components of the first magnetic element in an oppositedirection.
 7. The system of claim 6, further comprising logic, at leastpartially comprising hardware logic, to control the adjustmentmechanism.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the linear actuator is totranslate the first magnetic element in the first component to adjustthe magnetic force between the first component and the second component.